subject. They are the result, not only of my own experience, but of what I have learn from the best falconers of the old school, having had abundant opportunities of acquiring information from them. "The village of Falconswaerd near Bois le Duc in Holland, has for many years furnished falconers to the rest of Europe. I have known many falconers in England, and in the service of different Princes on the Continent, but I never met with one of them who was not a native of Falconswaerd. It has been the practice of these sober and industrious men to stay with their employers during the season for hawking, and to pass the remainder of the year with their families at home. "John Pells, now in the service of my friend John Dawson Downes, esq. of Old Gunton Hall, Suffolk, and who also manages the Heron Hawks kept by subscription in Norfolk, is (I believe) the only efficient falconer by profession now remaining; all the others whom I remember are either dead or worn out, and there has been no inducement to younger men, to follow the employment of their forefathers." 12. Original Picture of London for 1827. Longman and Co. UNDER the able editorship of Mr. Britton, this useful publication proceeds to new editions with increased success. The Introduction to this volume embraces a brief review of the improvements and leading characteristics of the Metropolis, during the years 1825-26. The early part of this Introduction is nearly similar to the able one we so fully noticed in our last volume, i. p. 326. The latter part of it we now with pleasure lay before our readers; as it exemplifies, in a pleasing manner, the spirit of the times, and the enterprising disposition of the present inhabitants of this grand Metropolis: "Adverting first to Royal and National Works, we find that a spacious, expensive, and, according to reports, splendid PALACE is building with great rapidity on the site of Buckingham House, in St. James's Park. Estimates and some accounts of this edifice have been exhibited to the public through the medium of the periodical press; but although the former come from authority, and are therefore materials for history, we know that the latter have been conjectural, and are, therefore, not adapted for these pages. Designed and directed by Mr. Nash, under the immediate sanction of His Majesty, we cannot doubt but it will present much decorated and highly enriched architecture. Many columns of cast iron, 18 feet in height, and of five tons' weight each, are already raised, and from the quantity of iron used, and the substantial manner in which the floors and walls are constructed, we may infer, that stability, and security against fire, are provided for by the architect. Fronting the centre of the palace, but advancing considerably before it, will be a splendid Triumphal Arch, in which the united talents of some of our most eminent sculptors are engaged to co-operate with the architect in producing a composition to vie with the famed arches of Constantine and Titus. A noble portico in the centre, with colonnades at the wings, and other colonnades, terraces, &c. on the gardenfront, will constitute some of the exterior features of this palace; whilst the vestibule, hall, stair-cases, and state rooms will be replete with marble columns, painting, gilding, and other splendia embellishments. According to the architect's report to the Commissioners, the sum of 90,371l. was expended on the works up to the 5th of April, 1826, and 162,319/. more were required to complete the building and improvements in the gardens, &c. "A new Palace, called York House, to the west of St. James's Palace, is nearly completed for the Duke of York, from designs by Benjamin Wyatt, esq. It is a large ornamented with columus, placed in the square mass, wholly cased with stone, and centre of three of its sides, and a portcochère on the other. Adjoining this mansion, another new one is nearly finished for the Duke of Clarence. "In Hyde Park, a new Bridge of five arches, very flat, and with small piers, from the designs of John Reunie, esq. has been constructed across the Serpentine river, at the junction of that park with Kensington Gardens. An iron railing, extending from one end to the other, intended to separate the bridge into two unequal parts, one of which is for the pedestrians of the gardens, and the other for carriages, &c. in the park. Instead of iron rails, let us hope that His Majesty will command a stone ballustrade to occupy the place of the former, as being not only architectural, but suited to such a bridge, and to such a royal park and scene. At the south-east angle of the park is now erecting a new Lodge, with double gate-ways and an open screen of columns. Nearly facing this, at the north-west angle of the Green Park, is another new Lodge of entrance to St. George's Palace, both from designs by D. Burton, esq. : "The Earl of Grosvenor has commenced building a large and splendid town mansion, in Upper Brook-street, from the designs of Mr. Cundy and judging from the style and character of the western wing, we may expect to see an edifice worthy of the illustrious proprietor, and of his valuable collection of pictures. The spacious and handsome Square, named Belgrave, one of the titles of the Earl of Grosvenor, has been advanced with great rapidity during the last year, and when completed will present one of the most uniform and elegant series of mansions in the Metropolis. Besides four symmetrical rows of houses, of the largest sizes, at the sides, there will be four spacious insulated villas, or mansions, at the angles of the square. One of these, far advanced, is for Mr. Kemp, the founder and proprietor of Kemp-town, Brighton. Many first-rate houses have also been raised in the adjoining streets. When we reflect on the depressed state of commerce, trade, and manufactures for the last year, we are both astonished and delighted to witness the spirit and laudable zeal which actuate the gentlemen and tradesmen concerned in these extensive works. If confidence and prosperity again visit our Metropolis, this new part of it must become fashionable, and consequently will amply reward the speculators. Every portion seems destined for durability, respectability, and for the comforts and elegancies of polished society. A large and handsome square, wide and well-paved streets, a strict police, with contiguity to the Parks, Palaces, the Houses of Parliament, and to public roads, this district offers very peculiar advantages. From 600 to 1000 men have been constantly employed and supported on these works for the last year. It is calculated that Belgrave Square alone, will cost nearly half a million of money. It measures 684 feet by 617 feet; and the adjoining long square, called Eaton Square, will be 1637 feet by 371 feet. "A new and spacious Church, from the designs of Henry Hakewill, esq. has been recently finished at the eastern end of Eaton Square. Another novel feature distinguishes this part of London; namely, a large Dock or basin, which has been formed at the junction of the Vauxhall and Chelsea roads, where many commodious wharfs and warehouses have been laid out and built. Between this and the Thames is a large tract of ground, lately appropriated to gardens, but on which it is projected to raise a new and extensive town. In Westminster we have to notice many alterations and improvements, both in progress, and recently executed, which must astonish the stranger, and will also gratify the real connoisseur. An extensive and handsome suite of Law Courts, with several attached offices, have been finished from the designs of Mr. Soane. These are appropriated to the legal business of Chancery, Exchequer, King's Bench, Common Pleas, &c. and are connected with each other by passages and galleries skilfully arranged, which also communicate with Westminster Hall, and with the two Houses of Parliament. These Courts, both in exterior and interior design, arrangement, and accommodation, have been much censured; but we will venture to assert that, in all these characteristics, they manifest great talents in the architect. They will, however, be admired by the learned foreigner, who examines the plan, and will hereafter be duly appreci ated by every candid connoiseur. For the present northern front we believe the architect is not answerable, and also know it is directly opposed to his plans and wishes. We have reason to believe that the altera tion of this front, from its original design, will cost the nation above 20,000l. "Great additions and improvements have been recently made to the offices connected with the Houses of Lords and Commons: but it is to be regretted, that the national senate is not provided with a comprehensive and handsome edifice. At the junction of Downing and Parliament Streets, a range of very fine buildings has been raised, from the designs of Mr. Soane, and appropriated to the Council Office, Board of Trade, &c. Externally it is adorned with columns and three-quarter columns, with an euriched entablature and parapet. The whole is executed in free-stone, and finished with the greatest care and skill. On examining the progress of these works in different stages, we have noticed with much gratification the very sound and skilful manner in which every part has been constructed, as well as the superior quality of the materials employed in the whole edifice. We hope to see this pile of building continued, both northward, southward, and up Downing-street. "At Charing Cross several houses, &c. have been taken down, preparatory to the formation of a large square, or open area, on the site of the King's Mews, with wide' streets branching from it to the Strand, to Covent-Garden, and to the British Museum. The northern end of the square is to be occupied by a large and grand edifice, for the National Gallery, &c, whilst the Royal Academy, and other public buildings, are to be raised on the east side, paralleled with the front of St. Martin's Church. The architect's design of placing the Royal Academy in the centre of the open area, as well as in giving it the appearance of a Greek peripteral temple, are, we apprehend, injudicious. It is hoped that the buildings sur rounding such an area may be on a grand scale, and richly ornamented; but that the area itself may be free, open, and not broken in upon with any thing larger than statues. The fine equestrian group of King Charles, and others of his late and present Majesty, might be advantageously placed in such a situation, to unite with and give picturesque effect to the scenery. "The removal of Carlton Palace, which will be levelled in the course of the present winter, and the handsome square, terrace, fountain, &c., designed by Mr. Nash, to occupy the site, will make a great alteration and improvement to the scenery of Pall Mall and Regent Street. "Passing hence to the northern extremity of London, we shall find large additions made to the buildings in the Regent's Park since our former report. The Coliseum or Panorama, that spacious multangular edifice, with a grand Doric portico, has been completed, and a vast panoramic view of London, from the top of St. Paul's church, within its walls, is nearly finished. The whole will be ready for exhibition in the ensuing spring, and must excite much curiosity from its magnitude and novelty. To the north of this have been erected three handsome terraces, each consisting of a symmetrical design, altogether including nearly 100 first rate houses. A group of buildings, for St. Katherine's Hospital, in the Gothic style, forming six dwelling-houses, with an insulated chapel, and a commodious house for the Master, Sir Herbert Taylor, are nearly finished, at the eastern border of the Regent's Park, from the tasteful designs of Ambrose Poynter, esq. At the north-west angle of the same Park, a new and handsome Villa has been built by Mr. D. Burton, architect, for the Marquess of Hertford. At the north-east angle of the same Park, a large piece of ground is laying out for the purpose of forming a Ménagerie, an Aviary, Fish Ponds, &c., under the sauction of the Zoological Society. Such an object has long been a desideratum in this great Metropolis and placed in such a situation, under the management of scientific, learned, and independent gentlemen, must be both useful and amusing. Madrid and Paris have long possessed such collections; but these are the property of the respective monarchs; here it will be formed by, and belong to private persons. tific manner in which the buttress and two other piers are built, and the acknowledged skill of the engineers and artisans engaged, we may calculate on seeing one of the finest and best bridges of modern, or of ancient times. The fourth coffer dam on the London side was completed and emptied on the 20th of Nov. 1826. Two arches on the Southwark side are in the progress of building; and one of the piers and sterlings of the old bridge have been removed. "The excavations for, and the formation of, St. Katharine's Dock, near the Tower, are prosecuting with rapidity and zeal and the Tunnel under the Thames is also advancing in a scientific and successful manner. In Shoreditch, a new Gothic Church is nearly finished, from the designs of Mr. Nash; and in Bethnal Green another new one is far advanced, from the designs of Mr. Soane. is to be of the Grecian order, with a tower: was commenced in July, 1825, and is to be completed in April, 1827. It "The new Post-Office, in St. Martin's-leGrand, is fast approaching completion, and will constitute one of the most imposing public buildings of the city. Preparatory to the re-erection of the whole of the Bluecoat School, or Christ's Hospital, in Newgate-street, a spacious and handsome Hall has been erected, from the designs of Mr. Shaw. "A new Chapel, of novel design, being of an amphitheatrical form, has been recently completed, from the designs of W. Brooks, architect. It is seated near the Catholic Chapel, in Finsbury Circus. J. B." 13. Skelton's Engraved Specimens of Arms and Armour, &c. Parts 1. II. III. and IV. WE renew with great delight our observations on this very beautiful and useful publication. One sixth part of the whole is now before us, the plates comprised in which enable us to form a pretty correct idea of what the two volumes will consist when complete. the Dr. Meyrick has availed himself of "A new Church, opposite to the north end of Portland-street, in the Paddington Road, and parish of St. Mary-le-bourn, is nearly executed, from the designs of Mr. Soane. East of this, and at the north end of Gowerstreet, the managers of the London University have purchased a large piece of ground, and have commenced operations for building a spacious and noble edifice, from the designs of W. Wilkins and H. P. Gandy, architects. The builder, Mr. Lee, has contracted to execute the whole, from the plans of the architects, for 107,000/. The zeal and indefatigable exertions manifested by the Council, and the liberality in which some of them can.e forward to make up the sum requisite for commencing the works, merit the thanks of every well-wisher to so laudable and meri-pear to have run a race; he has made torious a plan. "A new wing to the British Museum, from the designs of Mr. Smirke, is nearly completed. The New London Bridge is proceeding with rapidity; and from the sound and scien opportunity of introducing curious historic facts from unpublished original MSS., and of bringing to our notice rare and early printed books. He has contrived, while imparting historic information, to give a sprightly and interesting character to a kind of catalogue raisonnée. Nor has Mr. Skelton been left behind, for he and the publick ap each successive part superior to its predecessor, and they have as unequivo is as it ought to be, alike creditable to cally encreased their patronage. This both parties. He has managed to give such clear and judicious lines with his 1827.] REVIEW.-Skelton's Engraved Specimens of Arms and Armour. 57 graver, that it becomes difficult to select the most pleasing of the plates. The target of the Emperor Charles the Fifth, and the enlarged specimen of its details, are elaborate and delicate in the extreme, and prove that Mr. Skelton is ready to dispute the palm of superiority with the celebrated Moses. The collection from which this work has been formed, was made, as is generally known, for the double purpose of rendering more intelligible our ancient Historians and Poets, and for the benefit of the Arts. It was felt that, while the National Gallery of Statues displayed the beauties of the human form, and the British Institution laid open the secrets of the art of colouring, there existed no means of ascertaining ancient military paraphernalia. This really patriotic service has been performed; for not only have these things been amassed with judgment and great cost, but most liberally rendered accessible to artists of all countries. Mr. Skelton's efforts, which have been not only tastefully but faithfully exerted, and the scales that he has invariably given, cannot fail to augment their utility by conveying the resemblance to those who from distance or other causes, have not had the good fortune to contemplate the rare and splendid originals. in Parliament, and a portion of his Correspondence never before published. By the Rev. F. THACKERAY, A. M. The first vol. (containing Cantos 1 to 12) of Orlando Furioso, in English Prose, from the Italian of Ludovico Ariosto, with Notes. By CHRISTOPHER JOHNSON, Principles of Physical, Intellectual, Moral, and Religious Education. By W. NEWN HAM, esq. A Dictionary of Anatomy and Physiology. By HENRY WILLIAM DEWHURST, Surgeon. BAGSTER'S Comprehensive Bible, containing, in one volume, the authorised Version, with copious prefaces and indexes, and more than 4,000 explanatory notes, and above 500,000 parallel passages. Preparing for Publication. Shigurf Namah-I-Valaët, or excellent Intelligence concerning Europe: being the Travels of Shaikh Itesa Moodeen, Moonshee, in Great Britain and France. Translated from the original Persian Manuscript into Hindoostanee. With an English Version and Notes. By JAMES EDWARD ALEXANDER, Esq. H. P. Late H. M. 13th Light Dragoons, and Adj. of the Body Guard of the Governor of Fort St. George, &c. Also by the same Author, Travels from India to England, by way of the Burman Empire, Persia, Asia Minor, Turkey, &c. in the years 1825-26; containing a Chronological Epitome of the late Military Transactions in Ava; an Account of the Proceedings of the present Mission from the Supreme Government of India to the Court of Tehran; and a Summary of the Causes and Events of the existing War between Persia and Russia. With Sketches of Natural History, Manners, and Customs, and illustrated. with Maps and Plates. The Author of "London in the Olden Time," is engaged on a second volume, comprising Tales illustrative of the manners, habits, and superstitions of its inhabitants, from the 12th to the 16th century, in which the state of Minstrelsy, the form and proceedings of taking Sanctuary, the ancient institutions for Archery, and the superstitions relating to Talismans and Astrology will be exhibited; together with some notices of Sir John Froissart,, Geoffry Chaucer, the Countess of Richmond, Dame Juliana Bernes, William Caxton, and others. A Popular Exposition of the Epistle to the Romans. By ROBERT WILSON, A. M. Author of a Treatise on the Divine Sovereignty, &c. A Reply to the Accusations of Piracy and Plagiarism exhibited against the Author, in the January Number of the Christian Remembrancer, in a review of "Horne and Carpenter's Introduction to the Study of the Holy Scriptures." By WILLIAM CARPENTER. Selections from an Italian Oratorio, en titled, Jefte in Masfa, composed in 1776, at Florence, by the late F. H. BARTHE LEMON, esq. National Tales. By THOMAS HOOD, Author of Whims and Ŏddities, with Illustrations by Thomas Dighton. No. I. of Delicia Sylvarum. By Mr. STRUTT, Author of the Sylva Britannica. A Practical Treatise on Naval Bookkeeping in all its branches. With an Appendix, containing a variety of forms, orders, letters, returns, certificates, and other documents of practical utility in the naval service. By EDWARD LAWES, R. N. No I. of a Naval and Military Magazine, to be published Quarterly, containing Essays, Proceedings of Courts-martial, &c. A Society "For the Diffusion of Useful Knowledge," is about to be established. The object is to impart useful information to such as are unable to avail themselves of experienced teachers, in the various branches of knowledge, chiefly as regards the SCIENCES, and the ARTS connected with them, by the periodical publication of Treatises, under the direction and with the sanction of a Committee. Each Scientific Treatise to contain an Exposition of the Fundamental Principles of some Branch of Science,their proofs and illustrations,—their application to practical uses, and to the explanation of facts or appearances. The great division of Natural Knowledge, commonly called Natural Philosophy, will be subdivided into different Branches,-as, Elementary Astronomy-Mechanical Powers-Application of these to Machinery--Hydrostatics-Hydraulics-Pneumatics-Optics Electricity-Magnetism. Separate Practical Treatises will be given on DiallingMillwork-Optical Instruments; and Treatises on Geometry, Algebra, and Trigono metry will be published before extending Natural Philosophy to its higher brauches, of Dynamics, Hydrodynamics, and Physical Astronomy. To each Treatise will be subjoined a reference to the works or parts of works in which the same subject is discussed more at large, with suggestions for enabling the student, who may feel so disposed, to prosecute his studies further. The First Treatise, being one on ELEMENTARY ASTRONOMY, will be published soon, and on the same day will be given gratis, an Introductory Discourse on the Advantages and Pleasures derived from the pursuits of Science. The Duke of York's Library is to be sold by Sotheby. It contains above forty-five thousand volumes, including, besides a number of valuable illustrated books of ancient days, nearly every publication entered at Stationers' Hall, and every novel and pamphlet printed in the united kingdom during the last forty years. In the library is a valuable and extensive collection of maps and charts. |